During a two-day visit to Israel, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed multiple agreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen bilateral relations. In his address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Modi expressed unwavering support for Israel and condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack as barbaric, but avoided mentioning Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza or the humanitarian crisis there. Analysts said Modi’s position marks a clear departure from India’s traditional foreign policy on Palestine.

Modi highlighted India-Israel cooperation through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 group, which includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States. IMEC aims to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe through integrated transport networks, while I2U2 focuses on joint projects in energy, food security, and technology. Experts noted that these initiatives reflect India’s growing role in regional trade and strategic connectivity.

The visit occurred amid rising regional tensions, including Israel’s expansion in the occupied West Bank and U.S.-Iran friction. Netanyahu also proposed forming a new regional bloc including India, though no country has formally endorsed it.